[Assam] Tranperancy?

[Ram Sarangapani]

 This from the TOI, and it is just the thing C'da might like  - I can
visualize him licking his chops ! :) :).

But seriously, however much one can try to prop up India, it is downright
shameful that this PMO is trying to protect corrupt montries everywhere.

One of the reader comments was to do away with RTI altogether, as it
basically protects all the corrupt people in the country. It has no teeth.

If India has to be taken seriously, there must be transperancy.

Reader comments are interesting too.

It is a darn shame.

--Ram

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Assets_of_ministers_kin_out_of_RTI_ambit_PMO/articleshow/4060646.cms

NEW DELHI: At a time when pressure is mounting on the judiciary to disclose
its assets, the executive wing of the government has come into the
limelight for its attitude towards transparency.
 In a decision that could have a far-reaching impact on administrative
accountability, the PMO, widely seen as leading the government towards
transparency has decided to withhold information related to assets of
ministers and their relatives.
 Responding to a query by applicant Subhash Chandra Agrawal, the PMO termed
the information as exempt under clauses 8(1)(e) and 8(1)(j) which relate to
immunity granted to "documents fiduciary relationship" and "Cabinet
documents" under the RTI Act.
 Agrawal has now filed an appeal with the Central Information Commission.
 Significantly, the PMO had initially agreed to part with the information.
But in a curious U-turn on December 17, 2008, the PMO held that details
sought by the applicant were exempt from disclosure. The `no' was repeated
on January 27, 2009, when Agrawal persisted with his effort.
 It was last year that Agrawal had filed the RTI application seeking details
of assets of Union ministers and their relatives for the last two years from
cabinet secretariat. The letter was forwarded to Prime Minister's Office for
necessary action.
 In his appeal, Agrawal points to the PMO's reversal of stance. "The PMO was
ready to divulge the information but there has been a change in decision,"
Agrawal said.